Shiri Lichtenstein, Psy.D.

Client testimonial: "I felt respected and heard throughout the whole process. Dr. Lichtenstein quickly understood what makes me tick and helped me get through the first month of grief. I am very grateful for our sessions and have come to rely on a few nuggets of wisdom she provided as I move through my grief."

We all have aspects of our lives that at times we would like to change. Sometimes, life’s stressors can feel so overwhelming that we feel stuck and unsure how to proceed.

Most of my clients are struggling to balance multiple obligations such as work, school, family, and social relationships, or are feeling like they can’t move forward and don’t know why. This can trigger stress, anxiety, or feelings of depression, and can be a harrowing and isolating experience. In my work as a clinical psychologist, I work collaboratively with my clients to equip them with the tools to effectively take charge of their current situation. My goal is to amplify my clients’ strengths and empower them to enact lasting changes in their lives.

My Approaches to Therapy

As a therapist, I strive to bring warmth and empathy to the relationship and gently encourage clients to try new strategies and alternate ways of thinking about the issues they are dealing with. I am also sensitive to the fact that coming to therapy can be a vulnerable experience, and it is important to find the right “fit” between therapist and client. I will therefore welcome feedback throughout our work together to ensure that we are on the right track and working toward meeting your goals.

My clinical approach is integrative, meaning that I tailor my sessions to the individual client. I utilize situationally appropriate theories that are evidence-based or grounded in research, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), all of which have been shown to effectively treat a range of disorders and psychological concerns. I also incorporate mindfulness, which can charter new pathways in the brain to allow healthier and more adaptive responses to stress.

I specialize in relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, post-partum and parenting concerns, stress management, and life transitions. Some common goals expressed by my clients include boundary setting, improved communication, identity development, and greater self-compassion and self care.

My Qualifications as a Psychologist

A Bay Area native, I have been in the mental health field for nearly a decade. After transitioning from a corporate job at a tech company, I earned my PsyD with a Child and Family emphasis at Alliant International University in San Francisco. During my graduate training, my work with children, adolescents, and families across school, hospital, and community settings gave me a solid foundation to better understand how early childhood can have a lasting impact on the way we experience ourselves and our environments throughout our lives. During my pre-doctoral internship at the University of San Francisco, I provided brief evidence-based therapy to young adults navigating challenges relating to relationships, communication, family of origin, multiculturalism and acculturation/immigration-related issues, and sexual identity concerns. My work with young adults, students, parents, and individuals across the lifespan strengthened my belief that the ways in which we relate to ourselves and others are not static. Even beyond childhood, we undergo change and development at each stage of life, and therapy can be a key tool to enhancing our personal growth and well-being.

I completed my post-doctoral training at Kaiser, Permanente in San Rafael and was subsequently hired on as a clinical psychologist on the Adult Team. While I continued honing my therapeutic expertise with individuals across the lifespan, my focus was young adults struggling with issues such as communication, boundary setting, family/relationship concerns, and academic/work stress. I also facilitated a relationship group for adults who were contemplating or were in the midst of separating from their partners.

Altogether, my comprehensive training and clinical experience has nurtured a deep respect and appreciation for my clients’ unique circumstances, and I am committed to working with individuals from a diverse range of cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Outside of my work, I enjoy yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy cooking and trying new foods, and love to travel whenever I get the opportunity.